We’ve not been overwhelmed by either the styling or the performance of the 240SX, before or after the ’97 facelift.

Overview

Another rendition of the 240SX sport coupe arrived in spring of 1994. Still rear-wheel drive, it came only as a notchback coupe with dual airbags. Wheelbase measured two inches longer; overall length slightly shorter than before. Inherited from the prior 240SX was a dual-camshaft 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Rated at 155 horsepower, it teamed with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes combined with a limited-slip differential were optional for base and SE models.

Yearly Updates

1996 240SX
Base and SE models wore restyled grilles, and the base coupe got body-colored mirrors. The SE coupe lost its power antenna, now operating with the same fixed-mast antenna as the base model.

1997 240SX
A luxury LE edition joined in mid 1997, equipped with leather seats, keyless entry, an antitheft system, and a CD player. Before that, the 240SX got a facelifted body. Revisions included a new front bumper and grille, redesigned hood and front fenders, and new headlamps and taillights.

1998 240SX
The 240SX is unchanged for 1998, and did not return for ’99.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

Only one engine has been available in this generation of the 240SX: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with dual-overhead camshafts, putting out 155 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic might be installed.

dohc I4

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

2.4/146

Engine HP

155

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

160

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

22/28
21/26

25.2
20.8

Road Test

Acceleration is nothing special for a sports coupe. A base-model 240SX with the automatic transmission took 10 seconds flat to reach 60 mph. Takeoffs are strong enough at first, but acceleration tapers off at higher speeds. The engine produces a sporty but loud snarl under hard acceleration. Road noise also is prominent. As for gas mileage, we averaged 20.8 mpg with automatic and 25.2 mpg with a 5-speed.

Sharp steering and agile reactions are the bonuses of this coupe’s rear-drive chassis, but poor traction on slippery roads remains a sore spot. Ride comfort depends on the model. The firmer SE suspension rides more harshly than the base version, which does a better job of absorbing bumps and tar strips.

Despite the lengthened wheelbase and wider body, the 240SX still suffers from a snug interior. Space is considerably less than the car’s outside dimensions suggest, and the wraparound cockpit gives a somewhat closed-in feeling. Head room is limited for tall drivers. Even children will lack space in the rear seat, especially in terms of leg room. Seats are nicely supportive. Visibility is good all around, except past somewhat thick windshield pillars.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1996 Nissan 240SX SE 5-speed

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6

60%

Fuel Economy - 5

50%

Ride Quality - 3

30%

Steering/Handling - 7

70%

Quietness - 4

40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5

50%

Room/Comfort Front - 4

40%

Room/Comfort Rear - 2

20%

Cargo Room - 2

20%

Other

Value - 5

50%

Total: 43

Specifications

2-door coupe

Wheelbase (in.)

Length (in.)

Width (in.)

Height (in.)

Weight (lbs)

99.4

177.2

68.1

51.0

Cargo Volume (cu/ft)

Payload Capacity (cu/ft)

Fuel Capacity (gal.)

Seating Capacity

8.6

17.2

4

Headroom

Legroom

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

38.3

34.3

42.6

20.8

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1997 240SX 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3

60%

Front Passenger Injury - 4

80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision

177

Injury

150

Theft

180

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: Poor air-conditioner performance due to compressor-joint seals that tend to leak. (1995-96)

Brakes
Description: Nissan issued a voluntary recall to replace a defective diode that will not turn on the low-brake-fluid-warning light. (1995)

Dashboard lights
Description: The check-engine light may come on and set an erroneous trouble code for the crankshaft position sensor if certain wires in the computerized engine-control circuits are not kept separated from one another. (1995)

Engine temperature
Description: The engine tends to overheat if any air trapped in the cooling system is not properly bled. (1995)

Recall History

Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.

1995

Equipment list not available for 1995

1996

Equipment list not available for 1996

1997

Equipment list not available for 1997

1998

Equipment list not available for 1998

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.